Heinz execs to lead new company with Kraft

Two days before Kraft shareholders are scheduled to vote on a merger with Heinz, the companyannounced a slew of new executives.

Paulo Basilio was appointed executive vice president and CFO, having joined Heinz in June 2013 as CFO. Kraft's CFO James Kehoe and other Kraft executives are being let go in 30 days or when the merger is completed, Heinz said in a statement.

"Our new leadership team represents the best of the best in business with proven track records for delivering results.I am thrilled that this world-class group of executives will join me to further strengthen our iconic brands with our industry-leading go-to-market strategies, innovation pipeline, and global infrastructure,"future Chief Executive Officer Bernardo Hees said in a statement.

Kraft and Heinz agreed to merge in March in a deal backed by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway and Brazilian private investment group 3G Capital. The new company will have a portfolio of well-known food and snack brands such as Heinz, Kraft, Oscar Mayer, Jell-O, and Philadelphia.

Effective upon the close of the merger transaction, The Kraft Heinz Company senior leadership team is:

Paulo Basilio is appointed EVP and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Basilio joined Heinz in June 2013 as Chief Financial Officer. He is responsible for all the finance functions and the investor relations area.

Matt Hill is appointed Zone President of Europe. Mr. Hill has been Zone President of Heinz Europe since June 2013. Prior to his current appointment, Mr. Hill was President of Heinz UK & Ireland. Mr. Hill joined Heinz in 2010 as Chief Marketing Officer for Heinz UK.

Emin Mammadov is appointed Zone President of Russia, India and Middle East, Turkey & Africa. Mr. Mammadov joined Heinz in 2006 as Marketing Director for Heinz Russia and has been President of RIMEA since 2013.

Michael Mullen is appointed SVP of Corporate and Government Affairs. He will be responsible for leading internal and external communications, CSR and government affairs. He will also have responsibility for the Company Foundation, real estate and facilities. Mr. Mullen joined Heinz in 1998.

Eduardo Pelleissone is appointed EVP of Global Operations. In this role, Mr. Pelleissone will have direct accountability for the Company’s supply chain, quality, procurement and operations functions in North America and globally. Mr. Pelleissone joined Heinz in July 2013 as Head of Operations.

Marcos Romaneiro is appointed Zone President of Asia Pacific. Mr. Romaneiro has been Zone President of Heinz Asia Pacific since June 2014. Mr. Romaneiro joined Heinz in 2013 as SVP Global Finance.

Francisco Sa is appointed Zone President of Latin America. Mr. Sa joined Heinz in June 2014 as Zone President of Heinz Latin America. Mr. Sa served as Zone President for AB InBev’s Latin America South business from 2012 to 2014.

Jim Savina is promoted to SVP, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. Mr. Savina joined Kraft in 2013, serving in legal leadership positions and as Chief Compliance Officer. In his new role, Mr. Savina will lead the Company’s legal function, including corporate governance & securities, transactions, regulatory, intellectual property, litigation and labor & employment.

Melissa Werneck is appointed SVP Global Human Resources, Performance and IT. Ms. Werneck joined Heinz in July of 2013 and led Heinz’s talent development and the Integrated Management System, which includes the Management by Objectives (MBO) Program.

George Zoghbi is appointed Chief Operating Officer of U.S. commercial business. In his role, Mr. Zoghbi will lead the Company’s more than $19 billion U.S. business comprised of five commercial business units. Mr. Zoghbi has been COO at Kraft since February 2015. Mr. Zoghbi joined Kraft in 2007 as Vice President and Area Director of Australia and New Zealand.